3 Benefits of Humor in the Workplace

Home-based jobs do not have the same dynamics as an actual office, but those working from home still need a dose of laughter every now and then. Online jobs can get impersonal and hectic. If there’s no humor, kindness, or empathy, virtual assistants may feel bored with their jobs.

Humor, when done right, can make a world of difference in the workflow of virtual assistants. Just remember to always keep things wholesome and professional. Here are the top 3 benefits of humor when working from home:

1. It breaks the ice.

The fastest way to open communication lines between you and a coworker is to have a bit of a laugh. Take note however that you must crack jokes only when it is the appropriate time to do so. During serious meetings and especially during problem-solving tasks, avoid wasting precious time with jokes. Instead, focus on the task at hand and have the initiative to contribute something valuable. There will be many other times to show your personality. This could be before and after meetings when your coworker is asking you how you’ve been. This creates rapport and will let your coworker know that not only are you professional, you’re also fun to work with.

2. It’s a great stress reliever.
   

Online jobs are busy jobs. Once you get into the workflow, you’ll understand that virtual assistant jobs aren’t a walk in the park. There will be days when tasks are done one after the other like clockwork. To avoid burnout, take some time to rest and look after your other team members by asking them how they are doing. This is the perfect time to talk about trending jokes and current news. Avoid heavy topics such as religion or politics, as these may lead to awkward conversations. Keep it light and humorous and most importantly, show concern about your coworker’s well-being.

3. It helps coworkers have a sense of camaraderie.  

Virtual assistants come from all walks of life. There might be a disparity in age and backgrounds, but this shouldn’t hinder VAs to have a solid foundation of togetherness as a team. After all, regardless of our backgrounds, we all operate the same way. We all get stressed and tired, and a bit of a laugh is all it takes to make things better.

It has been said that laughter can make people more open and relaxed with strangers. Using the same principle with a team, laughter can make a group feel a sense of camaraderie that will help them work more efficiently.

More often than not, animosity within the group is the reason why a team fails despite the skills and talent. Poor communication skills may also be an additional factor as to why teams do poorly. Again, being clear with your words and using the proper tone when conversing are both vital. When you are unsure with the directions of the tasks, make sure to ask. Never say that you understand something you don’t because this might cause errors that could derail your team. It’s better to ask questions than to stay silent and ignorant.

Laughter in the workplace is very effective in boosting the workers’ moral. Having to share a moment or two of good fun and laughter can benefit your team as a whole.

It’s important to take note that staying professional and respectable are both expected from all virtual assistants. Do not attempt to cross the line by making fun of other people or spreading gossip. Keep things light and classy!